‘you’ll be glad you chose Summit’,
and to achieve that, every Summit team member aims to provide a real estate service that is second to none. We value relationships. We have maintained a close connection with our community since our first day of operation. Summit has grown with the region through numerous events, sports, cultural and other community-based initiatives, including 5 years as principal sponsor of the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter. While we source an ever-increasing percentage of inquiries from our high-profile, web-based marketing, the vast majority of business is still completed face-to-face with our clients and salespeople.
Summit maintains a simple strategy; we provide our salespeople with the best resources, marketing, training, technology, and management support to achieve the best result possible for every client. Built on a solid foundation of many years of ethical trading, Summit is a member of the NZ Realtors Network - the most successful group of Real Estate companies in New Zealand. Summit has unique advantages; salespeople enjoy the benefits of working in a progressive multi-office environment, no franchise fees sent out of town, and the region’s largest real estate agency.
1992
Established Office at
526 Main Road Stoke, Stoke
2001
Opened Commercial Office
Nelson
2002
Opened Motueka
102 High Street
2006
New Stoke Office opens
506 Main Road Stoke
2009
Opened Summit House Nelson
60 Rutherford Street
2010
Opened Picton Office
56 High Street
2013
New Richmond Office opens
203 Queen Street
2019
New Blenheim Office opens
30 Alfred Street
2026
Property Management Richmond Office Expansion
201-203 Queen Street
Summit understand what makes the Top of the South Island unique, from the majestic bays of the Sounds, the golden sand beaches of Abel Tasman, to the vibrant communities of our provincial towns.
Our real difference is our culture and people. Summit’s success is the results of the many outstanding people who have joined us. We have the largest team of qualified, experienced real estate specialists, and we’re well equipped to deal with all facets of real estate. Our commitment to providing unparalleled service and working as a team makes Summit the region’s most preferred real estate agency by far.
It’s the support from our local community that we gratefully acknowledge when looking at Summit’s achievements to date and our current position as market leaders. We show our gratitude in very real ways, giving back to our local community.
There was a time when marketing without a price generated curiosity and encouraged buyers to make contact. In a booming market, where demand often outweighed supply, buyers were prepared to enquire first and ask questions later.
Today's market is different.
Buyers remain active, but they are also far more cautious. Higher living costs, interest rates, and general economic uncertainty have created a market where people are much more conscious of how and where they spend their money. Before they even arrange a viewing, many buyers want to know whether a property fits comfortably within their budget.
When a home is advertised with a clear asking price, buyers can quickly determine whether it is worth pursuing. It provides transparency, sets expectations, and often leads to stronger online engagement because buyers don't feel they are wasting their time enquiring about a property that may ultimately be beyond their reach.
That isn't to say there is no place for marketing without a price. Unique properties, development opportunities, or homes with limited comparable sales can still benefit from methods such as Tender or Auction, where the market is invited to determine the value.
The key is matching the sales method to the property and the current market conditions.
In today's environment, confidence is still rebuilding. Buyers are doing their homework, comparing value carefully and making considered decisions. Providing clear pricing where appropriate can remove uncertainty, encourage more enquiry and ultimately help achieve the best possible result.
Article by;
Rob Ilott
Picton Branch Manager
027 345 2806
[email protected]
Homes that are correctly priced and well marketed over winter can sell just as fast, and often achieve a premium price. Here's why...
Less Competition Buyers have fewer homes to choose from right now, so yours stands out instead of getting lost in the crowd.
Motivated Buyers Winter buyers are serious. They need to move, or they're getting ahead of the queue before the spring "feeding frenzy" kicks off.
Steady Interest Rates With rates maintaining stable levels, buyers are more likely to purchase now rather than wait.
Faster Results Fewer sales moving through the system means mortgages and settlements can happen quicker and smoother - good news for everyone at the table.
Marketing Never Sleeps Almost 90% of buyers start their search online, especially when it's too cold to be out driving around open homes. Your listing works just as hard in August as it does in February.
Plus, our Summit Weekly reaches the buyers who aren't even looking yet. Every week, Summit's listings are showcased in the Summit Weekly, delivered to over 39,000 homes across Nelson and Tasman. That's the neighbour who's been thinking about upsizing but hasn't opened a property app, or the retiree scanning the paper over breakfast rather than scrolling a phone. Passive buyers don't find themselves - the Summit Weekly puts every listing in their hands.
The 2026 Election Factor There's one more thing worth factoring into timing this year: New Zealand goes to the polls on 7 November 2026. Election years can bring a period of hesitation later in the year, as buyers and sellers wait to see how policy settles before committing to major decisions. Selling over winter means you're dealing with a settled market and genuinely motivated buyers, rather than competing for attention once election-year uncertainty sets in.
The Bottom Line Winter isn't the real estate dead zone it's made out to be. With the right price, the right marketing, and a bit of local know-how, it can be one of the smartest times of year to sell.
If you'd like to discuss how to get a great price for your own property this winter, get in touch and we'll find a time to meet for a no-obligation, confidential chat.
Find out more on why you should sell with Summit
BOOK APPRAISAL
In today's market, where buyers are more conscious of money than ever before, I believe pricing a property has become increasingly important. Modern buyers are doing extensive re-search before they even step through the front door. They are comparing properties online, assessing value and carefully considering their budgets. With higher living costs and tighter lending conditions, purchasers are protecting their money and focusing their attention on homes that clearly fit within their price range.
When a property is marketed without a price, there is a risk that buyers simply move on. Many prospective purchasers set search parameters online and prefer to know immediately whether a property is within their reach. If they can't quickly determine value, they may choose not to enquire at all.
A well-considered price provides transparency and gives buyers confidence to engage. Rather than creating a barrier, a realistic price can encourage more inspections, more conversations, and ultimately more competition. It helps buyers emotionally connect with a property because they can immediately see a pathway to ownership.
Of course, pricing is not about underselling a home. It is about positioning it correctly within the current market. A professional appraisal considers recent sales, market conditions, buyer behaviour and the unique features of the property to determine a pricing strategy that maximises interest.
The reality is that buyers dictate the market. In a climate where every dollar is scrutinised, providing clear pricing can be the difference between attracting strong enquiry and being overlooked.
The properties generating the best results today are often those that offer buyers certainty, value, and a clear understanding of where they stand from day one.
Article by;
Rob Ilott
Picton Branch Manager
027 345 2806
[email protected]
Opened at 526 Main Road Stoke, Stoke in 1992
Our first issue of the Summit Weekly published in September 2004, this has become an integral part of establishing Summit as the region's most preferred real estate agency.
Across the Top of the South and every corner of our region, our salespeople are renowned for providing exceptional service because our clients deserve nothing less.
Managing thousands of rental properties throughout the top of the South, the region's trusted name in property management saves you time and money, so you can make the most of yours.
With a team of over 100 strong in 6 locations throughout the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough a friendly Summit branch is likely not too far from where you are.